How-To Guides

What is an Early College High School?

The Early College High School (ECHS) model is a blend of high school and college coursework that gives students the opportunity to earn up to 60 hours, or two years, of tuition-free college credit while earning a high school diploma. This model increases college readiness, providing rigorous instruction and coursework as well as academic and social support. Early College High School aims to:

engage first-generation college students

provide up to 60 dual credit hours toward an associate degree at no cost to students

offer courses that mirror a college setting, with academic counseling to help students develop skills needed for post-high school success

increase college enrollment and success rates for all students

strengthen connections between middle schools, high schools and higher education institutions to promote a culture of college readiness

"The Texas Education Agency (TEA) launched the initiative to increase the college readiness of students across Texas by providing rigorous instruction and coursework as well as academic and social support. Early College High Schools provide students withhighly personalized attention and encourage lasting relationships with teachers and classmates. The experience creates a college-like culture that encourages students to continue their higher education journey."

The ECHS at Marshall High School will offer students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, from Houston Community College, transferrable to any Texas public college or university. Fort Bend ISD students will benefit from this program at no cost. By providing high school students the option to earn an associate degree, or up to 60 hours of college credit from the ECHS at Marshall High School, families have the opportunity to decrease the burden of college debt and get a headstart on their future.

Early College High School is open to all students, and is designed to support students who:

might be the first in their family to attend college.

want to attend college but need a no-cost solution.

are motivated to challenge themselves with in depth college-level course work.

are comfortable in smaller classes focused on academics.

are open to accept academic guidance from dedicated, collegiate teachers and professors.

Early College High School Information Flyers

Questions?

Learn more about ECHS and PTECH:

Informational meetings about Early College High School and PTECH programs will begin February 4, and families of all 8th grade students are invited to attend.

All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. For convenience, meetings will be held in each region of the District. While families have been invited to attend the meeting closest to their child’s middle school, parents are invited to attend any one of the meetings if a conflict exists.

February 4, 2019

First Colony Middle School

February 6, 2019

Garcia Middle School

February 7, 2019

Missouri City Middle School

February 11, 2019

Baines Middle School

Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I apply for Early College High School (ECHS)?

Early College at Marshall High School is committed to providing a enriched college-going environment where students earn a high school diploma as well as an Associate’s Degree, or up to 60 college hours from an accredited community college.

While all students will have access to the program, the ECHS core mission is to give prospective first-generation and other typically underrepresented students in higher education a no-cost solution to earning a two-year college degree with transfer eligibility to a four year college/university.

Who will be eligible to apply for the ECHS?

The ECHS is open to all 8th grade FBISD students who are motivated and willing to commit to a four-year program. If more than 100 students apply, the district will use a lottery system to select students with 70% coming from the MHS feeder middle school and 30% from other middle schools.

How are students selected for the ECHS?

All interested 8th grade students must submit an Early College High School Application. There are no criteria for placement into the Early College High School, just the student's willingness to commit to demands of this opportunity.

If I am a student, do I need my parent’s permission to apply?

Yes. Parents are an important part of the process and need to demonstrate their support by granting permission and completing the parent sections of the application.

Can students outside FBISD attend ECHS?

Students must reside in the FBISD attendance area.

Are there grade requirements in order to be eligible for acceptance to an ECHS?

There are no pre-requisites for eligibility. A student must be dedicated and committed to earning an Associate Degree or core college credit while earning a high school diploma.

Is there a cost to students or their families for college classes?

All tuition, books, and fees are paid for while the student is enrolled at the ECHS. There is no cost to the student or their family.

Will transportation be provided to the ECHS program?

Yes, students who attend these programs will be provided transportation from the closest elementary school, which is how current academy students are also transported.

Will every ECHS student receive a college degree?

Every student at the ECHS will have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours and an Associate Degree.

Will every ECHS student receive college credit?

The ECHS provides opportunities for all participating students to successfully attain college credits. The Early College High School is designed to support student interest in college and careers and to individualize learning.

What type of degree will ECHS students graduate with?

While earning their high school diploma, students have the opportunity to graduate with up to 60 college credit hours and an Associate of Arts degree from Houston Community College that may be transferable to any public university in the State of Texas.

Will college credits transfer to a 2 or 4-year college or university?

College credits earned during the 4 years at ECHS may be transferred to any public college or university in Texas and could be transferred to out-of-state public and private college or university depending on their transfer of college credit policies.

Is it possible for students to earn more than 60 hours of college credit while in high school?

The four-year Associates Degree program as designed by the ECHS does not allow for additional hours beyond 60 hours of college credit. If a student chooses to pursue additional hours all fees will be the responsibility of the student.

Is the ECHS program like financial aid?

The ECHS provides an opportunity for students to earn up to 60 hours of college credit at no cost to the student or their family, but is not considered financial aid.

What if a student is not prepared for college classes?

ECHS teachers and support teams are there to support student achievement. AVID strategies on how to organize, study, plan, note taking and time management are incorporated in all high school courses. College and career advising is also provided to discuss and plan future career and educational options and opportunities.

The Fort Bend Independent School District, an Equal Opportunity Educational Provider and Employer, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, disability and/or age, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment decisions. Additionally, the District does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a com plaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities. Policies DAA, DIA